Posted by Delhi Capitals fans, rejoice!
Rishabh Pant, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman, is eyeing a full-fledged return to action in the upcoming IPL season, raising the spirits of both his franchise and Indian cricket supporters. This comes as a beacon of hope after his horrific car accident in December 2022 sidelined him for several months.
Burning Bright: Pant’s Determination Shines Through
As per Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting, Pant exudes “immense confidence” about playing the entire season. He has been diligently working on his fitness, evident in his social media posts showcasing his active recovery journey. However, whether he’ll take up the wicketkeeping gloves or captaincy duties remains unclear.
Ponting Cautions, Manages Expectations
While Ponting acknowledges Pant‘s eagerness, he cautions against expecting too much too soon. He believes managing the young star for 10 out of the 14 games would be a “bonus” considering the severity of his injuries and the long road to recovery.
Leadership Reins in Safe Hands with Warner
If Pant isn’t fully ready to lead the team, David Warner will continue as captain. He ably steered the ship in Pant‘s absence during the previous IPL season.
Optimism Abounds for Delhi Capitals
Despite a disappointing performance in IPL 2023, Ponting expresses a positive outlook for the upcoming season. He highlights the strong batting line-up bolstered by the addition of Harry Brook alongside regulars like Warner and Mitch Marsh. A potent bowling attack featuring Anrich Nortje, Jhye Richardson, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav further strengthens their ranks.